enamel as finish

[Bill Mohler]

Hi,

Newby at woodworking, old toolmaker. Recently I was making a stool for the shop and to seal it I grabbed a spray can of clear enamel, two coats in about two hours. It came out great. Next I tried it on a end table of oak and walnut, it looks great. What am I missing, I don't see it ever used as a clear finish?

Thanks Bill

[John Hemenway]

I believe enamel refers to the gloss level more than anything else. If you can recoat so fast it's probably a lacquer.

[Cecil Arnold]

Bill, I think John is correct. Oil based enamel takes a week or better to dry to an accptable level (bookshelves etc. or the material will stick to it) so unless it is a water based product it isn't emamel.

[Bill Mohler]

Thanks for your input. After reading the fine print about fires and explosions I do believe that it is a laquer. Works good and only cost 96 cents a can. I won't use it indoors but will keep it handy.

Bill